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Varian seeks fresh John Smith’s Cup Glory

TRAINER Roger Varian will bid to land a second John Smith’s Cup when Appeared runs in the £200,000 heritage handicap at York on Saturday.

Farraaj gave Newmarket-based Varian victory in the 55th renewal of the famous race staged over an extended mile and a quarter, back in 2014

The 59th running of the John Smith’s Cup will see Varian rely on the Sheikh Mohammed Obaid Al Maktoum-owned, Appeared.

The son of Dubawi has run just once so far in 2018 when a solid fourth in the Duke Of Edinburgh Handicap at Royal Ascot

Dash Of Spice won on that occasion and is the market leader for this weekend’s feature on the Knavesmire.

This time around Varian’s charge will benefit from a 5lb ‘pull’ in the weights with that rival.

Appeared has done most of his recent running over a mile and a half with one of his three career victories coming at York back in May 2016.

But connections are hopeful that the drop down in trip will not be an inconvenience to the six-year-old.

Varian said: “Appeared ran a blinder to finish fourth in the Duke Of Edinburgh Handicap at Royal Ascot and he has come out of the race in fine form.

“He loves fast ground and won well at York a couple of seasons ago. His strong travelling style of running suggests he is worth a try at this shorter trip, particularly as it is a course where they often get racing a long way from home.

“Although he doesn’t look to have masses in hand (from the handicapper), he remains lightly raced for his age and the 5lb pull with Dash Of Spice ought to bring them closer together.

“York has put on a fantastic prize fund for the race and Appeared looks to hold a fighting chance in what seems a typically-competitive renewal. I am very much looking forward to running him”

York’s two-day meeting starts at 2.05pm on Friday afternoon. The highlight of a seven-race card is the Group 3 Summer Stakes..